N. Arlington resident accused of sexual assault on a minor

NORTH ARLINGTON – A North Arlington resident was arrested Oct. 4 for allegedly sexually assaulting a female minor.

The North Arlington Police Department and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit apprehended John Minervini, 43, “after learning that he sexually assaulted a juvenile female acquaintance approximately six years in the past,” according to the BCPO.

The victim’s family contacted North Arlington police after learning of the sexual assault allegations. The NAPD subsequently contacted the BCPO Special Victims Unit, which led to an investigation resulting in Minervini’s arrest. The investigation was a joint effort under the direction of BCPO Special Victims Unit Chief Steven Cucciniello and NAPD Chief Louis Ghione, according to the BCPO.

“An individual came to us, recently, presenting issues that took place approximately six years ago,” Ghione said. “Subsequently there was a joint investigation between the North Arlington Police Department and the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victims Unit which terminated in the arrest of the suspect.”

Minervini was arraigned on Oct. 11 at North Arlington Municipal Court before Judge John J. Langan. He was charged with one count of sexual assault and one count of endangering the welfare of a child.

“The next step is a grand jury review of the evidence to determine whether to indict,” BCPO spokesperson Maureen Parenta said.

The BCPO has yet to present the case to a grand jury for its review.

At the arraignment, the judge set bail at $100,000 with no 10 percent option. The accused is also not to have contact with the victim.